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Ambulance service for expectant mothers to be extended

DUBAI - The ‘pink’ ambulance for expectant mothers is indeed a success story and its service is to be extended to other emirates.

Launched on a trial basis and on popular demand last year, the special service for expectant mothers is a life-saver since a number of women have given birth safely onboard while being transported to hospitals, according to an official.

“Deliveries on board happen because of last-minute calls that couples make or due to complications that may lead to delivery on the way to hospitals,” said Omar Sakkaf, head of the Training Unit at the newly renamed Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services.

A total of 11 babies were delivered aboard the ambulance during the past year while 67 women went into labour. One case of abortion was also handled aboard the ambulance.

“Ninety per cent of women are taken to private hospitals due to insurance or because or they have been attending prenatal checkups there,” he said. Other cases are shifted to Dubai-based government hospitals.

In total, the ambulance service handled 723 women over the past year alone. Thirty women transported went into labour before completing 20 weeks of pregnancy while 66 went into labour after 20 weeks but before their due dates. Launched after 72 per cent of residents surveyed by the department requested the service, the maternity unit is manned by two women paramedics and a woman driver. Paramedics also attend to house emergencies if necessary. “There is an increasing demand for the service now, especially from other emirates, including Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, as awareness spreads,” said Sakkaf. “The plan is to add two to three ambulances to the existing one by 2011 to meet this demand.”

Expectant women in emergency can dial 999 or 04 6095777 for the service.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com